Fort Riley and the 1st Infantry Division honored and recognized all fallen “Big Red One” Soldiers during a ceremony in Victory Park Tuesday Morning.

In the park there are 569 stones bearing the names of 1st Infantry Division Soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice defending our nation. Each year the Division rededicates the park, adding the names of the Division’s fallen soldiers from the previous year.

During this years redidcation ceremony Brig. Gen. Eric Wesley, Acting Senior Commander of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley announced that zero names are being added this year.

“Ladies and gentleman, this year there are no stones to be laid. I’m certain that all of you know, and I’m certain General Funk would agree, that the knowledge of this unburdens in part any Commanders heart,” said Wesley.

He then went on to ask those on hand, “Why do we memorialize in such a reverant way Soldiers who have gone before us?”

“We do this because we believe in the notion of legacy. We do this because we believe in the notion that legacy has an immeasurable impact on who we are, and who we will become. That legacy, although intangible, has very tangible effects taht we cannot ignore. We do this because a Soldiers legacy matters.”

This year the 1st Infantry Division is celebrating it’s 98th birthday during Victory Week which is currently underway on Fort Riley.